As we begin planning for our new year and the years to come, it may be helpful to consider the following advice.

What are the secrets of longevity? The New
England and Okinawa Centenarian Studies are focused on discovering
the factors that lead to a long life.
Both studies are examining the lives of those over the age of 100, a
population estimated in the United
States to number 50, 000 and growing.
Although we might not all live to be over 100, the findings from both research
programs offer insights into the secrets of being healthy as we age:

1. Positive Attitude-Centenarians
overwhelmingly are optimistic, adaptable, and have an easy-going approach to
life. They rarely see "age" as a limitation to their ability to enjoy
life. In addition, they have a fighting
spirit and emotionally stable, flexible, and adaptive.

2. Relationships-Close relationships and
strong social support systems are central to most centenarians. Having
emotional and physical support as well as companionship can often be a
protective factor with regard to health.
Being socially integrated into a large community is also important.

3. Spirituality-Having a deep spirituality
and strong faith is important. Most centenarians have had a lifelong awareness
of their spiritual side. For many, it is this factor that has helped them cope
with the various challenges life has brought.

4. Exercise-Maintaining physical strength
is essential to living long, and many centenarians participate in strength
training in order to maintain muscle strength and bone mass as they age.

5. Nutrition-They eat moderately and
sensibly. Many Okinawan centenarians eat a low calorie, unrefined complex
carbohydrate diet, and they practice a cultural habit known as hara hachi bu,
only eating until they are 80% full. In addition, eating a diet high in
calcium, antioxidants, fruits and vegetables, and minimizing meat, satu5rated
and hydrogenated fats, and sweets is critical.
Getting enough vitamins is crucial to the fountain of youth.

6. Managing Stress-Many centenarians have
had to cope with major stressful life events throughout their lives, but most
weather stress well and have a stress resistant personality. They tend to be
self-confident and do not feel rushed and pressed for time. Many use humor to
manage the stress.

Makeover Magic:

As I like to constantly say, being beautiful is not about make-up,
hair, and clothing styles. It's about
taking care of yourself, loving the person inside and being healthy. Of course, we do have additional ideas to
encourage you to be the best you at any
age.

7. No smoking please-Smoking ruins your
skin, your hair, adds wrinkle lines, and causes cancer among other fatal
diseases, including stroke and heart attacks.

8. Alcohol in moderation-Although red wine
has been shown to help longevity, hard alcohol packs on the pounds while
causing bloating. We all know what the
results of excess are, so just don't go there.

9. Drink lots of water-In addition to a
healthy diet with sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals, it is imperative
to drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day. Your skin will glow and your complexion will
be fresh and clear.

10. Be sun smart-Vitamin A is important,
but if you are a sun lover, use plenty of sunscreen or sun block. The sun's
ultraviolet rays break down the skin's collagen, which makes the skin thinner
and allows wrinkles to form.

11. Sleep tight- Sleep is not a luxury.
It's necessary for body repairs. So make sure you hit the pillow for quality
time, which is seven to eight hours a night. If you don't get enough shut-eye,
you could also have problems with memory and concentration, according to
researchers at Stanford
University.

12. Smile- Take care of your teeth. Brush,
floss, and see the dentist every six months for a check-up. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry offers
this advice to keep your teeth white: Avoid drinking too much coffee or red
wine and use toothpaste that has hydrogen peroxide or baking soda. Smiling transmits nerve impulses from the
facial muscles to the limbic system, a key emotional center in the brain. The
more you smile the better you feel and the more you make the world a happy
place.

13. Regular Check-ups-Make sure to see your intern at least once a year for a
physical. For sexually active women, it is imperative to get an annual pap
smear and schedule a mammogram according to your doctor's recommendation.

14. Pet at Pet-Having an animal in your
life increases longevity while reducing stress.
If you don't own a pet, borrow a friend's dog, cat, rabbit, or bird for
a few hours.

15. Read Empowering Books-life is about
continual learning. The more you read
enlightening and motivational books, the better you will feel about yourself.

16. Go Easy on the Make-Up-Contrary to popular beliefs, the
older you get, the less make-up you can wear, unless you enjoy looking like a
circus clown. Use moisturizers and conditioners according to your skins needs,
but don't glob on the foundation and blush.

17. Volunteer-If you want to look and feel
better, help someone else. Studies show that when we serve others we serve
ourselves.

18. Pamper Yourself-We have only one life
in this body as we know it. Take the
time to celebrate the beautiful person you are.
Get a massage, take a bubble bath, slather soothing oils on your neck,
shoulders, and back.. Your body is a
tabernacle. Protect and honor it.

Take a look in the mirror and admire yourself. You are a
wonder of creation. Go forth and be your most awesome self!